Rockies Michael Cuddyer won’t be traded says owner Dick Monfort

Baseball’s rumor mill churns out a lot speculation this time of year, much of it nonsense.

The Rockies’ Michael Cuddyer has been popular grist for the mill, but the idea that the Rockies will trade the right fielder was squelched Thursday by owner Dick Monfort.

“Not a chance,” Monfort said when asked if the Rockies would trade the popular Cuddyer for pitching to shore up the Rockies’ quest for the National League West title.

“When you look at how vulenerable we are when we lose a Tulo, a right-handed bat,” Monfort said. “Right-handed corner bats are pretty important. And put into the mix that he has major-league at bats, and he plays first base, too. So no, we won’t trade him.”

Monfort also reiterated something he wrote in an email to season-ticket holders. That is that the Rockies, while searching for a back-of-the-rotation starter and perhaps a reliever, are not going to give up prospects for a “rental pitcher” such as the Cubs’ Matt Garza.

The full email Monfort sent out to season-ticket holders can be found below.

In other news, the Rockies have set their rotation for the second half of the season:
* Jorge De La Rosa vs. Cubs on Friday.
* Juan Nicasio vs. Cubs on Saturday.
* Tyler Chatwood vs. Cubs on Sunday.
* Drew Pomeranz vs. Marlins on Monday.
* Jhoulys Chacin vs. Marlins on Tuesday.

Here is the text on Monfort’s email to season-ticket holders, sent out Thursday:

We’re back and hope you are as ready for the second half of the season as we are!

The All-Star break has been busy. Michael Cuddyer had a strong showing in the Home Run Derby, three starters in the All-Star Game and we are making final preparations for our first ever ROXIVUS! This weekend will be incredible!

It all starts this afternoon with the Major League Club workout day. The main concourse will feature half price concessions, games, activities, and several of our former players will be back to sign autographs. It promises to be a fun time for your entire family! The season resumes on Friday with the start of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Saturday’s events will be highlighted by a street party with live music, food and a beer garden. In addition, more former player appearances and some extra fun events you won’t want to miss. Sunday is Tulo Bobblehead Day, so come join us and rally our team for the second half of the season!

As we look back and summarize the first half; our defense was strong, our offense was inconsistent and we did enjoy some good pitching. We know where we need to improve. We are always looking to add pitching and remain open to the right deal. But as in the past, we will not trade our top prospects for a pitcher we are merely ‘renting’ for the next couple of months.

Our three All-Stars are the key to the offense. When you add the greatest Rockie of all time who is starting to find his groove and picking everything in sight, a center fielder that is becoming an offensive force and three other positions manned by extremely talented young players; we are excited and confident about our chances the rest of this season.

Going into the break, the bullpen held its own. Our young left handed reliever, saving every game when he was given the ball on his way to a sub 1.00 ERA who is also deserving of All-Star consideration. As we return to play after the 2013 All-Star Break we want to thank you, the greatest fans in the Game for your support. Looking at the second half of the season, we remain extremely optimistic and confident that our team can produce the results on the field that we all expect and desire.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and we can’t wait to see you at Coors Field this weekend!

Yeah why would you consider trading a 34 year old outfielder with negative defensive value, who is right now at this very moment at peak value?

I agree we shouldn’t trade prospects for a half year rental, but not that the team shouldn’t consider ANY trade offer for a guy whose only got a year left on his contract and whose offensive production should not be expected to continue at this level.

dizdol1912

Comforting to know that Cuddy will not be gone.
Equally important to find out who’s coming to the
malnourished BALLCLUB???
Monforts again diverting attention to the 64 Dollar question.
Pitching is minor to a coupla of solid bats sooner than later
it’s time these owners are taken to task!!!
Blind faith is not going to get it done.
In fact the nest 10 days represent when these replacement
players should be on the field. Great chance to move forward
by going 7-3 on the home stand. Probably won’t happen without
funding$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$that says it all. No gamble in the
Monfort backbone to anxious to pocket the Money again re-invest in the Denver
community they certainly support you with unconditional faith!!!

Warren

Oh great, so Matt Garza, the ONLY pitcher on the trade market that could be obtained for a cheap price (because he’s just a rental, he’d only take one or two solid prospects to land), and who would actually turn Colorado into a true division contender, isn’t even being considered by the Rockies.

The Rockies have a very good selection of quality OF prospects. The idea that Colorado is looking for “back-of-the-rotation” help, is ludicrous. The Rockies have no TRUE ACE. Pomeranz is the Rockies #5 starter, let him work through his struggles and develop his skill. Chatwood is the Rockies #4 starter. Chacin is the Rockies #3 starter and Jorge de la Rosa is the Rockies #2 starting pitcher. So clearly the Rockies lack their #1 starting pitcher. This would be Matt Garza, if only the Rox would pull the trigger and get him from the Cubs.

Warren

Do you think Mr. Monfort, is like a Christian, or something? I mean, that might explain his inability to reason. He clearly, is not logically minded. He’s definitely money minded though, so I bet he’s also Republican. So I’m gather Mr. Monfort must be a right-wing, Christian fundamentalist, just like those darn Islams.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.